Tag: luxury homes

John Kirtland – Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

When high-net-worth homebuyers evaluate exceptional properties, they pay special attention to the kitchen—or kitchens. It’s essential to have ultra-modern gourmet facilities, with gorgeous ambience, for crafting creative cuisine.

To marvel at cutting-edge tech for luxury at-home dining and entertainment, look no further than glamorous California and these three spectacular residences.

Indoor-Outdoor Luxury in Rancho Santa Fe

Linda Sansone – Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

Demand for exterior entertainment space has never been higher, and the most desirable home designs take this to the next level. To see an example of a home fully equipped for cooking and entertaining both indoors and outdoors, head to the picturesque pastureland of Rancho Santa Fe. 

Linda Sansone – Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

This equestrian estate provides an ideal amalgamation of the old and new. It’s a contemporary build boasting top-of-the-line amenities, yet it’s constructed in the style of a magnificent Spanish manor. But the kitchens are the true showstopper.

Linda Sansone – Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

The indoor kitchen is an epicurean escape with a custom La Cornue range and a conveniently automated coffee center. And in the adjacent great room, the glass wall opens to welcome guests to the gourmet outdoor kitchen and loggia. The vanishing-edge Sukabumi pool not only contains concealed speakers to keep the party going, but its underwater window looks into the home’s deluxe wine vault. 

Reimagined Open-Concept Entertainment in Malibu

Wailani O’Herlihy and Cormac O’Herlihy – Sotheby’s International Realty – Malibu Brokerage

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it shouldn’t necessarily be confined to a single physical space. Of course there must be a dedicated area where appliances are kept, ingredients are stored, and cooking is conducted—but as the social nexus for gathering and entertaining, kitchen tech in other parts of a residence can engage guests in inventive new ways.

Wailani O’Herlihy and Cormac O’Herlihy – Sotheby’s International Realty – Malibu Brokerage

Take for instance this fabulous hilltop haven in Malibu. Not only is the bespoke Bauformat kitchen contiguous with the living and dining rooms, but the living room also features a built-in Plum wine dispenser, which maintains perfect conditions for chilling, preserving, and serving two bottles at a time. A function traditionally associated with the kitchen is thus integrated seamlessly into a distinct, yet connected, area for socializing.

It’s also integrated with the outdoor living space, with its panoramas of the ocean and mountains. The balconies off the kitchen, dining, and living rooms lead to a scenic corner patio with a fireplace; and a similar patio can be found on the first floor, equipped with a television to bring a whole new meaning to “outdoor entertainment”.

A Toast to Hosting in San Francisco

John Kirtland – Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

In a home, the kitchen is the place where everyone comes together. In a fine dining establishment, the kitchen is a different environment entirely. It’s entirely dedicated to preparing, plating, and delivering immaculate dishes—and in some luxury properties, there’s an appreciation for having both a classic eat-in kitchen as well as a catering kitchen.

John Kirtland – Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

A stunning catering kitchen—six-burner gas range, huge restaurant-grade refrigerators, and nearby wine cellar—is tucked away in this prestigious San Francisco home, ready to be put to use when hosting a glamorous gala or gathering.

And when hosting a more intimate group, the home’s main chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece all on its own. Vintage architectural details flank a one-of-a-kind La Cornue installation, and it all surrounds a light-filled dining nook with French doors opening onto two Juliet balconies.

These three California dream homes demonstrate that luxury homeowners are expecting more from their dining and entertaining spaces today. A kitchen has the potential to be so much more than a place for food preparation.

A truly luxurious kitchen prioritizes form as well as function. Check out these 4 fabulous and stylish kitchens.

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week.

Sunshine Coast, Australia | Richard Bowen, Andy Foster, Heath McOrist, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

Completed in April 2023, this sleek and sophisticated home draws inspiration from the classic style of iconic midcentury homes. Positioned for privacy, the residence is cleverly designed to make the most of the panoramic views from every angle and offers expansive living space – all within close proximity to local beaches.

Inside, a spectacular two-story entry offers sweeping views across the pool below to the mountains in the distance. Four bedrooms are located on this upper entry level, and each bedroom benefits from its own spacious balcony.

Downstairs, the generous open-plan living space with high ceilings and tall stacker doors flows seamlessly onto the fully-tiled pool deck and oversized alfresco area. The cleverly designed kitchen was laid out with both practicality and entertainment in mind, and offers ample workspace and storage.

The lower floor of the home also enjoys sweeping views and expansive outdoor living space, along with a home theatre room with tiered seating and a large home office with its own access.

The surrounding land was masterfully landscaped with grass pathways separated by native planting, flat grassed areas, lilly pilly trees planted along the porperty boundary for ultimate privacy. A separate area bordered by large sandstone boulders functions as a private getaway for enjoying the views. An orchard with olive and citrus trees completes the landscape.

Discover videos of luxury homes for sale around the world on our award-winning YouTube Channel

As a regal path winds toward this handsome villa tucked amid the stalwart palms and grandfather oaks of Hope Ranch, the mythos of Southern California’s early days—which gave rise to seemingly countless expansive, luxurious Spanish colonial estates—immediately come to mind. While this residence perches beside a destination golf course and the dazzling waters of Laguna Blanca at the highly desirable La Cumbre Country Club, it dates to 1928 and stands as an exquisite reminder of the singular style of early-20th-century Spanish Colonial Revival haciendas, which came to exemplify Southern California’s architectural ethos for decades to come.

Santa Barbara, California | Dusty Baker, Caitlin Racich, and Greg Moss, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

And with good reason. Local luminaries Joseph J. Plunkett, William Edwards, and Henry Howell—among the most renowned practitioners of the Spanish Colonial Revival style in the Santa Barbara area—collaborated on its design, which incorporates many of the quintessential hallmarks of that eye-catching aesthetic: earthy barrel roof tiles, graceful arches, warm terra-cotta tile, iron-railed balconies, dramatic stairways, hand-hewn beams and woodwork, and ornamental tiles and wrought-iron details. The current owner has painstakingly restored and maintained the 3,630-square-foot home for nearly five decades, showing reverence for its enduring historic spirit.

Spaces are generous without feeling vast—most notably the grand centerpiece living room, where trussed and beamed ceilings soar overhead, a striking kiva-inspired fireplace creates warmth, and wide arched windows admit floods of light and offer cinematic views of the grounds, the lake, and the Santa Ynez Mountains in the distance. Adjoining are a formal dining room and a charming breakfast area, both offering idyllic vistas, and a light-filled chef’s kitchen boasting a double-oven six-burner Viking range, a warming drawer, a panel-front Sub-Zero refrigerator, a butler’s pantry.

A former breezeway has been transformed into a comfortable family room and a window-lined passageway leading to a secluded bedroom suite, the laundry room, the impressive wine room, and the home’s oversized two-car garage, which provides additional storage space. Also on the main level are three additional bedrooms and two baths. An interior balcony overlooking and accessible from the living room gives way to the primary suite—a personal private aerie with a sitting alcove, a walk-in closet, an elegant bath, and a balcony gazing through the trees toward the lake.

In nearly every room, the eye is directed outward, to the flourishing 1.5-acre grounds, the expansive emerald lawn, and the numerous alfresco spaces designed for maximum appreciation of the outdoors: sitting areas and patios—one with a fireplace—a built-in grilling area, and a picturesque courtyard with an Old World–inspired fountain, all reveling in the cooling curtain of green overhead.

The towering height of the enveloping trees and the undeniably distinctive style of the hacienda point to the rarefied provenance and enduring quality of this estate. It represents a unique opportunity to become a steward of Santa Barbara’s history and to sustain and preserve this significant property well into the future.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

As with spice in a recipe, a little color goes a long way toward infusing a kitchen with vibrancy. In these three homes, colorful kitchen accents add zest to their surroundings.

Stylish East Bay Villa

Anthony Riggins | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

American charm and Mediterranean flair combine to create a singularly inviting ambience in this delightful Oakland villa, which features a welcoming living area, four spacious bedrooms, and a lower-level suite with its own open-plan living area, a well-appointed kitchenette, and a full bath. Cabinets in a calming natural olive hue create an organic contrast with the striking tile backsplash, marble-wrapped island, and warm hardwood floors and mirrors the foliage of the alfresco living, dining, and garden areas just outside.

San Francisco Sophistication

 Rebecca Schumacher | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This chic four-bedroom San Francisco home enjoys sweeping uninterrupted views and an enviable location across from the emerald Marina Green and the bay beyond. An ideal setting for sophisticated entertaining, it offers a living and dining room with a dynamic “front row” view and multiple alluring outdoor spaces. The kitchen’s island cabinetry and banquette present a serene hue that mirrors the deep blue of the bay waters—a tone that continues in the adjoining butler’s pantry, which includes a coffee bar and wine storage.

Texas Château

 Bennett Finger | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

In Houston’s desirable Afton Oaks neighborhood, this four-bedroom residence brings to mind a timeless French country château. The main level is dedicated to a living room with a gas fireplace and French doors opening to the backyard and summer kitchen, a study and formal dining room sharing a two-sided fireplace, and a custom 1,500-bottle wine room. The inviting chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, handsome parquetry, Old World–inspired millwork, and an island with cabinetry in a soothing cornflower-like French blue.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, and home.

Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

The postcard-perfect 5.4-acre property overlooks a private pond with the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop.

French Entertainer Claudine Longet Lists $60M Aspen Estate – Robb Report

Black Diamond-Shaped Chalet in Utah Lists for $15M – Mansion Global

$875,000 Homes in California – The New York Times

Sprawling Sonoma Estate Surrounded by Vineyards Listed for $11.5M – Sonoma Magazine

Hot Property: Five Homes for Sale in Malibu, California – The Financial Times

Century-Old Santa Barbara Home Lists for Nearly $9M – Mansion Global

At Waterfront Mansion with Celtics-Themed Sports Court, Surf and Serve – The Boston Globe

For $14M, This Full-Floor Upper East Side Condo Feels Like a Designer Show House – 6 Sq Ft

A Colorado airpark is on the market for $4.1 million, and one prospective buyer wants to turn it into a community for private plane owners – Business Insider

An A-Frame Cottage in California – Cabin Life

Houston’s Most Expensive Homes Sold in July 2023 Trend Newer and Pricier – Houston Business Journal

Pool or Aquarium? Transparent Walls Entertain Swimmers and Onlookers Alike. – Mansion Global

Cher’s Former Miami Pad Is Up for Grabs, a “Whale House” Hits the Market – Architectural Digest

You can live like a coastal grandmother in Diane Sawyer’s 20-acre Martha’s Vineyard estate for $24 million – Business Insider

Grace Kelly’s favourite Côte d’Azur villa is for sale – The Spaces

Djursholm Pairs the Space and Serenity of a Suburb With Easy Access to Central Stockholm – Mansion Global

$500,000 Homes in Indiana, Kentucky and Oregon – The New York Times

Sustainability and Comfort for Days at Camp Juniper – Cowboys & Indians

This Blue Ridge Mountains A-frame cabin cuts a sharp figure – The Spaces

On The Market: A “Floating” Midcentury, an English Estate, and More Great Homes for Sale This Week – Dwell

Tom’s of Maine Founders List Historic Maine Home From 1799 – Mansion Global

Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

Today’s luxury buyers are looking to stand out with homes that are meaningful and expressive of their individuality. Thoughtful clients don’t crave mere ostentation for its own sake, but rather seek out unique properties that are reflective of their priorities, values and style. 

One-of-a-kind homes make a statement by showcasing features like ultra-futuristic tech, sustainability, and cutting-edge design, like these four residences of singular sophistication.

A Refuge Within a Retreat

Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

The primary suite is often the pièce de résistance of the home. But seldom is one as startlingly original as the one in this contemporary Côte d’Azur villa, complete with its own private pool.

Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

Just arriving at this property is like entering another world. Residents can park in the home’s six-car subterranean lot, ride the elevator, and emerge into an expansive interior custom-crafted by an acclaimed French architect.

Natural light is ubiquitous here; all four of the bedrooms—each with its own ensuite—boast glorious views of the Rade de Villefranche, and glass ceilings arch over the central living spaces, enabling the Mediterranean sun to stream in.

Life in a Work of Art

Ingrid Hart and Courtenay Batcha – Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Located across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan and Greenwich Village, Jersey City is famed for its former factories-turned-chic lofts—but this one is definitely in a league of its own. The home is defined by creativity, most stunningly with hand-painted murals that grace its walls and ceilings.

Ingrid Hart and Courtenay Batcha – Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that this residence is reminiscent of an avant-garde art gallery, as there is indeed a fabulous gallery located on the building’s ground floor. This property sits high above it, accessed by a freight elevator paneled in clear glass.

Unlike other factory conversions, where the condos may only have one balcony, this home unfolds across a dynamic, three-tier floor plan where every level has its own spacious outdoor patio.

A Realm of Fantasy

Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

Why is this radiant rural sanctuary near Palanga shaped like a wave? The sweep of the architecture is reflective of its seaside location, but the actual inspiration for the design is derived from the legendary Lithuanian love story of Jūratė, a goddess of the sea, and Kastytis, a humble human fisherman.

Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

The home’s gorgeous maritime location is picture-perfect, and the rooms make the most of it with an abundance of sliding doors leading directly to scenic waterfront terraces.

In the legend, Jūratė lives in an underwater palace of gold, diamonds, and white amber—and the architect set out to fashion a modern property that pays homage to this dreamworld, with gleaming marble floors and wooden fixtures so lustrous they almost appear gilded.

An Estate of Stone

Carlos Hermansson – Uruguay Sotheby’s International Realty 

This estate opens onto nearly 300 yards of private beach—but that’s not all. Located close to the oceanside resort of José Ignacio, it also encompasses over 118 acres of pristine natural parklands, where four lagoons are nestled amid stands of spectacular forest.

The home is a monument to Mother Nature, with dramatic stone façades that make it seem like an organic extension of the earth it stands on. Its flawless floor-to-ceiling windows present a panorama that extends from the lighthouse at José Ignacio all the way to its counterpart at La Paloma.

Carlos Hermansonn – Uruguay Sotheby’s International Realty 

No expense has been spared when it comes to the residence’s first-rate amenities. Along with a pool, jacuzzi, gym, and sauna built to rival a world-class hotel, it features an in-home cinema and art gallery, for curating cultural experiences from the comfort and convenience of home.

High-end homebuyers and five-star globetrotters, crave environments and experiences that are unlike anywhere else on earth. One-of-a-kind luxury homes like the four featured here are the epitome of spectacularly singular appeal.

Luxury can evolve over time. Check out these 3 unique homes that break tradition.

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week.

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida | Inga Boutboul, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Jade Beach Penthouse is a double-story sanctuary offering sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline. The expansive floor plan features five bedrooms and a sophisticated main living area adorned with 21-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Adjacent to the formal dining area, a dramatic temperature-controlled glass wine vault capable of housing 120 bottles is accompanied by a marble wine tasting table. Opposite, a contemporary floating staircase enhances the space’s airy volume. The home also showcases a bespoke eat-in kitchen with seamless integration of top-tier appliances.

Upstairs, the master bedroom suite is a luxurious pace for rest and restoration, enhanced by a nearby gym area offers ease and convenience and expansive wraparound terraces. The residence is complemented by an array of lavish 5-star amenities, including sunrise and sunset pools, a restaurant, spa, gym, and beach service.

Discover videos of luxury homes for sale around the world on our award-winning YouTube Channel

Taking its name from the Latin word for “heavenly” or “of the sky,” the one-of-a-kind estate known as Celestia Sonoma—a 5,749-square-foot residence and its distinctive observatory cum guesthouse—occupies some 37 secluded acres in the rarefied hills outside Sonoma.

Sonoma, California | Bob Pennypacker, Eric Ziedrich, Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

Award-winning Darryl Roberson, founder of the internationally acclaimed Studios Architecture, designed this home as his personal residence. Roberson remained at the forefront of commercial architecture for most of his career, helping to establish interiors as a vital form of architecture. He led the movement to create more flexible professional environments, creating innovative interiors for Fortune 500 companies, technology firms, and institutions of higher learning. The interiors of his own home reflect his vision, his exceptional attention to detail, and his goal of creating spaces both functional and fashionable.

Throughout the property, organic materials help the crisp contemporary lines and spaces feel grounded. Rooms flow seamlessly, from a living area with warm wood paneling, a sleek fireplace, rock accent walls, and intricate steel and wood ceiling beams that emphasize the play of light and shadow to a serene minimalist dining room with a series of glass doors and a view of green and golden hills. Window walls blur the lines between indoors and out, creating a virtual harmony between the two—a rapport that often becomes actual, as when the entertaining spaces give way effortlessly to a dining and lounging deck with a fire pit. Wood elements and a sweeping vista dominate in the kitchen, which is outfitted with stainless-steel appliances and a glass-topped oval island. The owner’s bedroom includes its own balcony and is wrapped in glass walls revealing a postcard-worthy pastoral outlook. In the airy lower-level library, three floor-to-ceiling windows provide generous light and views. The residence easily accommodates both serene private moments and festive celebrations with its yoga studio and a wine room.

Outdoors, a series of terraced spaces linked by lighted steps offers a refreshing swimming pool, a grassy lawn, a sunny patio, and a spa. When not diverted by celestial objects or local scenery, visitors will appreciate the quintessentially contemporary guesthouse, which features a glass-walled living area, a fireplace, and built-ins for books and media; a kitchen with counter seating; and a bedroom with a bank of built-ins, tall windows with an idyllic view, and a bath with large glass-walled skylit shower.

Further afield, a stream cascades over rocks through groves of trees that create a soothing curtain of green. A panorama unfolds all the way across the valley, although here, one’s attention is more often intentionally directed upward, toward the sparkling night sky. The allures of San Francisco and the numerous urbane attractions of the Bay Area can be enjoyed within an hour’s drive, yet resolutely and perennially, Celestia Sonoma—in keeping with its name—feels worlds away.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

This September, Sotheby’s will present Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the public and private realm of a global icon.

A world-renowned rock superstar, away from the stage Freddie Mercury was a deeply educated collector. Across a series of auctions, Sotheby’s auction house presents fashion, musical instruments, personal papers, possessions and photographs, furniture, and jewels accrued over the course of fifty years.

This collection has been meticulously preserved at his beloved home at Garden Lodge for over three decades and displays a quality and diversity of works that are a testament not only to his manifold passions, but innate style, and brilliant mind.

The Evening Sale

The Evening Sale pays tribute to Freddie Mercury’s inimitable life, work and art, and is a multi-category sale comprising a refined selection of artworks, objects, costumes and lyrics.

 

On Stage

Freddie Mercury’s onstage presence was electrifying. His innate theatricality, charisma, attention to detail and ability to totally inhabit the songs transfixed audiences throughout his career. This sale brings together the costumes, instruments, lyrics and objects that made magic.

 

At Home

At Home gives a glimpse into the remarkable world Freddie created at Garden Lodge. Behind that famous green door, visitors were met with an unrivaled collection of fine and decorative arts, porcelain and glass, all lovingly assembled over the years through his careful selection of works. Guests to the house were witness to this celebration of craftsmanship, with many pieces being the finest examples of their kind.

 

In Love With Japan

In the Spring of 1975, during the first of many visits while on tour, Freddie fell in love with Japan. It is through this important collection of Japanese art and objects that we see the breadth of Freddie’s profound passion for the country. Woodblock prints by the great masters, gem-like lacquer, fluid silk and fine porcelain all show Freddie’s adoration of Japan, as well as his academic expertise in the history of its culture and craft.

Read more on Sothebys.com

These Craftsman-style homes capture the warm, welcoming spirit of early-20th-century America with their natural materials, hand-wrought details, artisanal character, and organic palettes.

Historic Hollywood Charm

JoAnna Hennessy | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

Dating to 1912 and painstakingly updated and augmented, this five-bedroom Craftsman-style residence provides a reminder of an enchanting bygone era. Its historic character is readily apparent in an iconic façade with storybook detailing, richly hued walnut floors, vintage windows and French doors, and period cabinetry and shelving; while museum-quality lighting, appliances, and baths are stylishly modern. The home is surrounded by lush landscaping, mature fruit trees, garden beds, and a pool on a private corner lot at the base of the Hollywood Hills.

A Piece of Pasadena History

 Mark Ogden | Sotheby’s International Realty – Pasadena Brokerage

Enveloped by lush, flourishing greenery near Brookside Park and the legendary Rose Bowl, this unique three-bedroom Pasadena home combines portions of an 1898 Craftsman residence and a 1950s addition. Eye-catching late-19th-century elements—including a low-pitched roof with exposed beams, a generous front porch, rugged woodwork and stonework, ornate leaded and stained glass, diamond-paned windows, and stately carved and coffered ceilings—harmonize with a pleasingly minimalist midcentury aesthetic. The property also includes inviting patio areas and a pool. 

Southern California Craftsman Compound

 Taryn Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

In one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods, this gem was built in 1890 and represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Southern California history. A wide, welcoming front porch; delightfully colorful window trim; warmly hued original hardwood floors; and eye-catching ceiling beams are among the lovely period details. The estate is a legal triplex, consisting of a 1,515-square-foot main residence and two additional one-bedroom apartments or guest quarters with private yards.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

Folke H. Bergstrom – Chile Sotheby’s International Realty 

The world’s most illustrious new properties provide a prophetic and tantalizing peek into the future. Luminaries in the fields of architecture, interior decor, and industrial design integrate bold new technological features and innovations long before they’ve become commercially viable for the mass market.

So what will tomorrow’s luxury homes look like, according to today’s most prestigious residences? All signs point to a surging appreciation for sustainability. This is not simply because it’s the responsible path and because lower resource consumption leads to lower costs. Sustainable design is an aesthetic movement as much as it is a social movement, transforming how a home looks, feels, and interacts with the planet.

There are many techniques, technologies, and features that contribute to the sustainable designs that are at the forefront of new architectural trends.

Elegance and Efficiency

Clint Ballard and Michael Pallier – Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty 

Generating renewable power through photovoltaics is green, clean, and gaining prevalence in homes across all markets. In the past, the main barrier to adoption has been the fact that differences in location, weather, season, and time of day make it difficult to completely switch to living off the grid. However, the evolution of battery storage technology is rendering these hurdles obsolete—and even when homes don’t embrace full off-grid living, dwellings can still reduce their environmental footprint significantly through a combination of solar power and high-efficiency lighting and appliances.

Clint Ballard and Michael Pallier – Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty 

That’s precisely the approach taken by this contemporary mansion that is one of the most coveted addresses in Sydney’s premier neighborhood. A subtle solar installation provides the power for parts of the home such as the glamorous guest suite and impressive lap pool, while specialized fixtures—appliances by Miele and Gaggenau and lighting by Flos, Reggiani, and Produzione Privata—help limit the amount of electricity the home consumes.

Minimal Impact, Maximum Inspiration

Folke H. Bergstrom – Chile Sotheby’s International Realty 

The phrase “ecological footprint” is often a figurative description of the extent to which a person, place, or activity affects the environment—but in the world of sustainable design, it can also be a literal description. From this perspective, truly visionary properties are those with the lightest touch on their surroundings. These properties not only leave local ecosystems intact, but actually steward and nurture their vitality so that flora and fauna can thrive.

Folke H. Bergstrom – Chile Sotheby’s International Realty 

Built from organic materials endemic to the region and ensconced in a custom-made meadow of native vegetation, this architectural masterpiece near the town of Quebrada El Maqui elevates sustainability to a whole new level. The property is entirely regenerative—it was constructed on a previously eroded hillside and has helped bring the verdant scenery back to life—and it ensures the site remains pristine. Thanks to its onsite water treatment plant, even the swimming pool is chemical-free.

The Brilliance of Passive Design

Gary de Valle and Bev Malan – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

While sustainable design features such as solar panels and water purification systems play an active role in enhancing the resilience of a property, there are also ways to ensure a residence remains comfortable in all seasons without consuming a single joule of power. This is known as passive design, and at a time when homeowners are seeking strategies to reduce their use of energy and resources while adapting to a changing climate, it can be a game-changer for sustainability.

Gary de Valle and Bev Malan – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

Just look at the layout of this grand light-filled sanctuary set in the foothills between the Hawequa and Jonkershoek Nature Reserves. The primary living space opens to a north-facing patio and garden—a strategic orientation, since that provides the greatest direct sunlight. Of course, the breathtaking mountain vistas that sweep across the backyard make for an exceptional bonus.

Renewable, resilient, and self-reliant homes are the evolving frontier of luxury real estate, and are setting the sustainable design trends that the rest of the world will follow.

Some countries are ahead of the sustainability curve. See why Costa Rica is a hub for sustainable home design.

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week.

Boyce, Virginia | Chris Lazare, Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty

This spectacular villa boasts superb sea, golf, and mountain views, part of the panoramic backdrop of this stunning piece of the island. Located on the East coast of Mauritius, the home combines luxury living with masterfully executed architecture and design.

Comprising six bedrooms and a landscaped private garden highlighted by a stunning 25-meter-long pool, the villa offers perfect spaces for rest and relaxation.

Adjacent to the stunning swimming pool, the large open plan kitchen and living space form the heart of the villa. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated and all feature bespoke, locally-made furniture.

Discover videos of luxury homes for sale around the world on our award-winning YouTube Channel

In January of 1781—during the last years of the Revolutionary War—George Balfour, captain of the British ship HMS Culloden, encountered severe weather while trying to navigate from Block Island Sound to the Atlantic and ran ashore on a peninsula near Montauk. No longer seaworthy, the ship was burned so as not to be taken by American soldiers, but the peninsula where Culloden met her end still bears her name, and her remains—discovered in the 1970s—have become an underwater park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Less than two miles south of that fateful point is a lane commemorating Captain Balfour, and this new residence is tucked atop a bluff there, amid enduring coastal flora, eyeing the waves as though keeping watch for other ships heading oceanward.

Montauk, New York | Rylan Jacka, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage

The historic environs notwithstanding, the 5,100-square-foot home—created by esteemed designer Rob McKinley, who co-founded Montauk’s Surf Lodge and whose work is celebrated as both playful and chic—is thoroughly modern, brimming with serene natural hues and suffused with the seaside’s singular glow. In nearly every room, oversized windows face the water full-on, offering picturesque views largely composed of blue and green, two of nature’s most calming colors. Numerous spaces open to porches that abut coastal greenery or balconies that gaze at the refreshing ocean waters beyond. Overall, the ambience is open, airy, and effortless.

The kitchen and breakfast area overlook and give way to a contemporary infinity-edge pool and spa, with floating shelving ensuring that the verdant view and glorious light remain uninterrupted. Other storage and top-tier appliances are sleekly streamlined. With its whitewashed wood walls and picture window, an intimate sitting area is suffused with a photographic radiance and includes a discrete but convenient bar, while the larger living space is anchored by a cozy fireplace bookended by storage for a day’s supply of wood. Warmer earthen hues are the primary allure of the media room, although a set of paned glass doors affords a view of and access to a deck, the grounds, and the sound. The primary bedroom—one of five suites—is a lofty aerie with a view of treetops and the horizon and glass doors accessing a wraparound deck. A chic soaking tub enveloped by tony tile in an organic tone exemplifies the suite’s restrained luxury.

The secluded 1.6-acre property—hidden at the end of a long private drive off a quiet cul-de-sac—also features a pool house with an impressively stylish bath, a freestanding two-car garage, and a de rigueur deeded path leading to the sandy beach. Boats still cruise the waters just offshore, though their silhouettes are decidedly less elaborate than 18th-century warships. Nevertheless, they cut dashing figures that, along with the rosy glow of dramatic sunsets—compose the view enjoyed from this modern mooring in a historic locale.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought after locations, explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network.
Kyoto, Japan | List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan

Built around an 800-year old ikeniwa garden pond, the surroundings of Four Seasons Kyoto blend seamlessly together to capture the essence of life in the historic Higashiyama area of Kyoto. The unique collection of artfully designed luxury residences combine old-world charm with contemporary conveniences.

Owners of the luxurious apartments may participate in the Four Seasons rental program.

In-pool and poolside lounge chairs provide space for relaxation in the expansive indoor pool facility.

Discover luxury developments represented by Sotheby’s International Realty around the world

From an idyllic ranch in the expansive Texas countryside to a chic condominium perched on the verge of Central Park, these homes feature dramatic ceilings that create visual appeal or make room for glorious light.

Sophisticated Sculptural Style on Central Park

Matthew J Perceval, Nikki Field | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

This singular 3,104-square-foot condominium presents a striking architectural style inspired by legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. A sophisticated space for urbane living and entertaining and a showplace for art, the two-bedroom home begins with a stunning jade rotunda with a scalloped ceiling and marble flooring, beyond which a gallery leads to a great room with 16-foot ceilings, rift-cut white-oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park, and a dazzling vaulted ceiling that echoes Gaudí’s sui generis forms. A 50-foot planting terrace is an enviable extra.

Indoor-Outdoor Harmony

 Anthony Paradise, Sophia Germano | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

Dating to 1965, this four-bedroom home exemplifies the unique aesthetics of midcentury American design. The heart of the well-designed single-level floor plan is an open living and dining space with a vaulted and skylit beamed ceiling and an eye-catching concrete fireplace. A serene combination of natural materials and a full wall of glass blurs the lines between indoors and out. Other highlights include a chef’s kitchen and an alluring backyard with a pool and spa, a guesthouse, and an alfresco kitchen.

Grand Greenwich Getaway

 Helene Barre, Fran Ehrlich | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

On the banks of Rockwood Lake, this majestic 10,972-square-foot manor offers a wealth of inviting, light-filled spaces, among them six bedrooms; formal and casual living areas; and an expansive recreation room, gym, and indoor pool and spa. Classical details abound, from a commanding stacked-stone fireplace and soaring vaulted ceiling in the family room to a striking coffered wood ceiling in the dining room. The resort-caliber backyard boasts a pool and spa, a fountain, a stone fireplace, extensive terraces, and colorful landscaping.

Rustic Refinement in Texas

 The Country Properties Group | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This 73.5-acre ranch in the countryside between Austin and Houston is peaceful, private, and pastoral. An air of rustic refinement prevails thanks to antique doors and lighting, a screened-in porch, wide-plank wood floors, and a soaring 19-foot great room ceiling with handsome beams. Modern comforts and conveniences are accommodated by a media room, an elegant wet bar, a gym, and luxurious baths. The property also offers two guest cottages, a pool and spa, and an outdoor living area with a kitchen and a fireplace.

19th Century Meets Midcentury in Pasadena

 Mark Ogden | Sotheby’s International Realty – Pasadena Brokerage

Combining a portion of an original 1898 Craftsman home and a 1950s addition, this unique three-bedroom residence is enveloped by lush, flourishing greenery near Brookside Park, the iconic Rose Bowl, and numerous museums in Pasadena. Classical details—among them ornate leaded- and stained-glass windows and stately carved and coffered ceilings—harmonize with pleasingly minimalist midcentury elements and spaces, such as a window-walled family room with an oversized brick fireplace and a pitched beamed ceiling.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, and home.

New York, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

The 35-foot-wide East 79th Street property was recently restored back to its original use as a single-family home.

A Gilded Age Townhouse Near Central Park Hits the Market for $65M – The Wall Street Journal

This $10.7M Wine Country Estate Is an Amateur Astronomer’s Dream – Robb Report

This $4.3M Cedar-Clad Oregon Home Is Ready for Summer – Dwell

Kris Kristofferson’s Oceanfront Ranch in California Lists for $17.2 Million – The Wall Street Journal

Demand is Raging in Vancouver, Leaving Sellers Firmly in the Driver’s Seat – Mansion Global

This $58M Greenwich Estate With Private Dock Offers an Elegant Waterfront Lifestyle – Robb Report

Hot property: five homes for sale in the French Alps – Financial Times

Woolworth Building’s ‘Pinnacle’ Penthouse Sells – The Wall Street Journal

Bucks County’s Historic New Hope, the Quaint Town Along the Delaware River, Is Still Packed With Charm – Mansion Global

This $11M Vintage Bel Air Home Comes With an Impressive Hollywood Pedigree – Robb Report

$3.3 Million Homes in California – The New York Times

Nikki Field, Harald Grant Inducted Into Inman Golden I Hall of Fame – Inman

7 Historic Homes for Sale in New York’s Hudson Valley, From Restored Farmhouses to a Converted Church – Robb Report

Liberace’s ‘Secret’ West Hollywood Home Seeks a $3.59M Flip – New York Post

On the Market: A Cape Cod Home with a Celtics-Themed Pickleball Court – Boston Magazine

Greenwich Academy Purchases Rockefeller Land For $18.35M – Greenwich Patch

6 Homey Havens in the Urban Jungle – The Week

$3 Million Homes in Minnesota, North Carolina and Florida – The New York Times

7 Luxury Homes That Come With Their Own Private Boat Slips – Robb Report

Step inside one of Grace Kelly’s favourite villas, on sale for £10 million – House & Garden

Hiding in Plain Sight: Iconic Venice Beach Compound Announces Itself on the Market for $32M – Realtor.com

Homes for Sale in Manhattan and Brooklyn – The New York Times

Anthony Paradise and Sophia Germano – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

Smaller homes are trending up for luxury homebuyers, especially near city centres where a more modest footprint can offer greater access to desired locations and amenities. But a smaller property doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the luxury lifestyle, especially where keen design principles are employed to make the most of every square foot. 

This verdant and vibrant 1952 construction in Los Angeles’s Laurel Canyon neighborhood demonstrates this with aplomb, showcasing why high-end homeowners are reclaiming the “less is more” mindset and aesthetic. 

Here are four ways to embrace a more minimal home footprint.

1. Access the Essentials

Anthony Paradise and Sophia Germano – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

A well-designed home can have everything a luxury homeowner desires without a multitude of enormous rooms. Streamlining a living space can cultivate a more intentional and convenient way of inhabiting that space. 

This property boasts a newly-renovated chef’s kitchen complete with custom cabinetry, countertops, and luxury brand appliances such as a Viking range, illustrating that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Thoughtful design can enable more compact living without the additional maintenance and upkeep that a larger estate would require.

2. Cultivate Inner Peace

Anthony Paradise and Sophia Germano – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

There’s a synergy between internal and external states, and there’s no doubt that exquisite surroundings can enhance inner clarity and tranquility.

That’s why inner peace perfectly captures the attitude and ambience at this home—both indoors and outdoors. The fact that it’s set on a rare double lot means that it really does feel like a faraway refuge. The backyard sprawls leisurely across the sun-drenched landscape, where native flora proliferates alongside terraced patios and scenic outlooks that retain the pared-back beauty of the interiors. 

3. Enjoy True City Living

Anthony Paradise and Sophia Germano – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

The trend of luxury homeowners abandoning downtown cores is waning. Post-pandemic, people are rediscovering that venturing out into the world can be endlessly fun and fulfilling. Increasingly, people prefer to delineate their lives inside and outside their domestic space, where home is a place of refuge and the city is a site of adventure.

Because the home is a place to rest, refresh, and rejuvenate, it doesn’t need to be burdened with too many belongings. Though it doesn’t seem like a classic pied-à-terre at a glance, this residence’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles puts it within casual driving distance of a global capital for fashion, culture, and cuisine.

4. Augment Charm

Anthony Paradise and Sophia Germano – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

In many of the world’s most prestigious metropolises, space comes at a premium. Therefore, large properties may sacrifice both the quality of their indoor flow and the opportunities for outdoor living. But smaller homes can bring together the best of city and country living, provided that their interiors are thoughtfully designed.

This is brought to life in Laurel Canyon as the property unfolds in a series of well-designed, light-filled spaces that feel capacious despite being comfortably compact. And though they have their own one-of-a-kind character, with custom craftsmanship and thoughtful artistic flourishes, there’s a sense of continuity that unifies and elevates the residence.

A minimalist luxury home isn’t just a stereotype with chic white walls and sparse modern furniture. It’s a sanctuary that facilitates leisure and relaxation while prioritizing the essentials of daily living. 

The soothing style of a home’s interiors can greatly influence mood. See these 4 Homes With Serene Neutral Interiors.

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week.

Boyce, Virginia | Laura Farrell, Ron Mangas, Jr., TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Carter Hall is a grand 220-year-old estate steeped in period charm and updated with luxurious details. Wide plank hardwood floors and intricate millwork accentuate the estate’s architecture, while the impressive proportions, floating staircase, and sun-lit interior impart a perfectly modern feel.

Featured on the National Historic Register, Carter Hall is an established location for conferences and meetings. The estate’s beautiful location, historic structures, and impeccable landscaping make it an enviable destination.

In addition to the grand residence, the property offers charming stone cabins and guest houses, verdant grounds with majestic trees, and an abundance of local fishing and sporting opportunities.

Discover videos of luxury homes for sale around the world on our award-winning YouTube Channel

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Türkiye Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in the Middle East and its 230^th office in the EMEIA region.

Türkiye Sotheby’s International Realty is owned by the Alfardan Group and will be led by Country Manager, Can Turkan, who has practiced real estate and led luxury real estate projects in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey for more than a decade. The company will serve the cities of Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya, and will be headquartered in the Six Senses Kocataş Mansions in Istanbul.

“The luxury residential real estate market in Turkey is experiencing significant growth and attracting both domestic and international buyers,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The country offers a unique lifestyle, rich culture, and favorable climate, and its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia adds to its appeal. We’re seeing interest from expatriates and high-net-worth individuals, and growing interest from tech entrepreneurs and investors due to the region’s startup ecosystem. Can and his team have a strong understanding of the market and we are proud to have them represent the brand in Turkey.”

“Turkey’s real estate market has become appealing for a variety of countries,” said Turkan. “While domestic buyers remain prominent, international buyers, particularly from countries such as China, Russia, the Middle East, and European nations are increasing. At Türkiye Sotheby’s International Realty, we understand that buying or selling a luxury property is a significant endeavor and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty allows us to market listings on a global scale and become the premier choice for luxury real estate services in the region.”

The company has plans for continued growth with several real estate associates and two office locations in Istanbul – a sales lounge in Istinye Park and company headquarters at Six Senses Kocataş Mansions.